Viktor Kovalev, CEO of POTATOES NEWS: Hello, friends! We are in El Obour City, Cairo, Egypt, Domiatec Agri-Group and interviewing Dr. Moustafa Abdel-Baki. May I call you Dr. Moustafa?
DOMIATEC AGRI-GROUP Moustafa Abdel Hamid: First of all, I would like to welcome you and your team to Egypt, as well as to our company, Domiatec Agri-Group. Domiatec is one of the oldest and most important agricultural companies in Egypt. We have been in the agribusiness for 50 years, and we continue to be a leader in importing seed potatoes, as well as other crops such as strawberry seedlings, sugar beet seeds and some agrochemical products. We have our own farms, and we export potatoes and produce mini-tubers of seed potatoes locally in Egypt. I am responsible for coordinating all agricultural activities in our respected company.
We have various agricultural business areas: commercial potatoes, seed potatoes, and mini-tubers. We also import strawberry seedlings and collaborate with the University of California on planting and distributing strawberries in Egypt. I am also in charge of sugar beets and agrochemical activities.
Viktor Kovalev, CEO of POTATOES NEWS: Dr. Moustafa, the potato growing season is starting in Egypt. In Europe, the harvest has already been completed, as well as in North America, and the season in Central Asia is also coming to an end. The situation is different everywhere. In Europe, we face problems with late blight and rhizoctonia. In my country, Russia, we face the same issues. What challenges are you observing in Egypt depending on the season?
DOMIATEC AGRI-GROUP Moustafa Abdel Hamid: In Egypt, we have two seasons, sometimes three, which is an advantage of our climate. We are almost finished with the season in Northern Europe, but in Egypt, it is just beginning. Since the foundation of the company over 50 years ago, our founder, Eng. Mohamed ElDomiaty, has done everything to help farmers. How do we help? First and foremost, by providing high-yielding, quality varieties.
This is our main focus: helping farmers get the best yield. Additionally, we import varieties that are resistant to late blight and nematodes. We now have a new variety resistant to nematodes, which is an important step.
Viktor Kovalev, CEO of POTATOES NEWS: Very interesting. In different countries, the organization of potato farming is different. For example, in Russia, farmers buy seeds, fertilizers, diesel fuel, and equipment, then sell the potatoes after the harvest. In India, farmers receive seeds from cold storage companies, grow the potatoes, and sell them back at a fixed price. How is it organized in Egypt?
DOMIATEC AGRI-GROUP Moustafa Abdel Hamid: We provide high quality products to farmers. Domiatec holds 65% of the elite varieties market, which ensures high yields. We have earned the trust of farmers thanks to the quality of our products. Farmers in Egypt know about Domiatec’s reliability and quality.
Viktor Kovalev, CEO of POTATOES NEWS: You have been working in agriculture for many years. In your opinion, how has the culture of potato farming changed in recent years?
DOMIATEC AGRI-GROUP Moustafa Abdel Hamid: Changes are happening due to new territories for potato cultivation, especially in the desert areas of Egypt. Previously, most cultivation was concentrated in the Nile Delta, but now we are developing southern regions and desert lands. This helps avoid diseases such as brown rot, which is widespread in the Delta.
Viktor Kovalev, CEO of POTATOES NEWS: I see that in many countries, the structure of potato varieties is changing. The share of potatoes for processing is increasing. What is the situation in Egypt?
DOMIATEC AGRI-GROUP Moustafa Abdel Hamid: In recent years, there has been growing popularity of potatoes for fast food and processing, especially for chips and French fries. However, there is also an increasing interest in healthy eating. We are working on creating dual-purpose varieties that are suitable both for processing and table use. This is important for farmers to minimize risks.
Thank you very much! I wish you a successful harvest this season. What would you like to say to the viewers of this video?
DOMIATEC AGRI-GROUP Moustafa Abdel Hamid: Thank you very much for your attention! Potato seeds are a key factor in potato production, and we must pay close attention to this. I hope for further cooperation. Thank you to you and your team for the visit!
I, Viktor Kovalev, CEO of POTATOES NEWS, would like to thank all participants for the fruitful conversation and interesting responses!
